ICG: Karabakh Process Enters Horrific StageJuly 7, 2006 - 14:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The statement submitted by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs in Vienna June 22 to the OSCE Permanent Council is a very important document, International Crisis Group Caucasus project director Sabine Freizer said. In her words, the statement maintains a common approach to the conflict settlement. "It appears to be the most sincere and self-critical statement made by the mediators so far, as for the first time since the beginning of the talks in 1994 they have declared of inanity of their activities," Freizer said.She said she is surprised that Armenia and Azerbaijan hold little talk about it. "As a matter of fact the OSCE Minsk Group's statement proves the absence of any international format of the talks. It turns out that the sides can proceed with the talks without mediators. Will another mediator be appointed? If the United States, Russia and France recede which international forces possess sufficient authority for performing the mediating mission" I do not believe in a new mediator. We gradually enter a horrific stage where there is no place for peaceful talks between the sides. Such situation has occurred for the first time since 1994," Freizer underscored, reported Azeri-Press. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia considers Cyprus as one of its main partners in EU - envoy Armenia considers Cyprus one of its main partners in the European Union, Ambassador Tigran Mkrtchyan has said. Armenian, Albanian Foreign Ministers discuss ties, regional issues Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania Igli Hasani. POLITICO: Baku lobbying agains detained Karabakh ex-leader abroad Azerbaijan is lobbying agains former Nagorno-Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan, according to POLITICO. Armenia confirms will attend NATO summit in Washington Armenia has confirmed its participation in the NATO summit in Washington, a spokesperson has confirmed. |